Hugh Jackman Stars in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine"

When the character first appeared in "The Incredible Hulk" comics back in 1974, the superhero with the codename "Wolverine" took readers by surprise. Cheerfully amoral with sharp, unbreakable claws that popped out of the back of his hands, the man whom friends called Logan became an integral part of the "X-Men" series of comic books.

Over the years, Wolverine battled many characters in the Marvel Comics Universe, including a host of evil mutants and the Incredible Hulk himself. Yet, as violent as he can become, Logan also has a softer, poetic side that shows he actually is a man of peace.

When the X-Men finally made it to the big screen, Australian actor Hugh Jackman brought the four-color character to life, complete with cigar, sideburns and a really bad attitude. Wolverine is the ultimate fighting machine with his mutant ability to heal from almost any wound, but his memory is full of holes.

"X-Men Origins: Wolverine" delves into the mysterious past of a popular member of the team. Director Gavin Hood ("Tsotsi") throws in a touch of "Benjamin Button" and "Superman" to explore Wolverine's past, answering some, if not all, the questions about this powerful hero.

"Wolverine" as an Immortal

Born in the mid-19^th Century, James Logan Howlett is a sickly boy who spends much time in bed until a childhood trauma reveals his true nature. He and his brother Victor (played as an adult by Liev Schreiber) are mutants, each with some animal characteristics and the ability to heal quickly. Their natural abilities also grant them virtual immortality and, over the centuries, they fight in every major conflict.

After serving in a special unit during the Vietnam War, Logan tires of all the fighting and immoral actions, retiring to lead a quiet life as a Canadian lumberjack. He cannot escape his past, though, and when his former commander, Colonel William Stryker (Danny Huston), locates him, he offers Logan a chance to become the ultimate weapon.

A Who's Who of Marvel Characters in "Wolverine"

Well-constructed and executed, "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" is an excellent companion piece to the entire "X-Men" series. As always, Hugh Jackman throws himself into the character with gusto, especially when taking some verbal potshots at an old ally named Agent Zero (Daniel Henney).

Director Gavin Hood also manages to include several other notable Marvel Comics characters, especially Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) and Gambit (Taylor Kitsch). Fred Dukes (Kevin Durand) gets big laughs as the Blob, a virtually unmovable mutant who has a significant eating disorder.

Future X-Man Scott Summers (Tim Pocock) even shows up in "X-Men Origins" as a teenage mutant who has been captured for experiments. Summers' powerful optic blasts destroy several buildings in one memorable scene.

With a good plot and lots of action, "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" is a great way to kick off the summer movie season, and you don't have to be a comic fan to enjoy it.

"X-Men Origins: Wolverine," rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence and some partial nudity, currently is playing nationwide.